Whether you are new to coffee or someone who dislikes coffee, we have a list of 27 coffee drinks that can serve you well. Most of these drinks contain coffee, but you won’t know it unless you really want to. But before going there, let’s answer the main question.
What is the best coffee for non coffee drinkers? The best coffee drinks for non coffee drinkers are cafe latte, mocha, macchiato, cappuccino, flat white, cold brew coffee, nitro coffee, frappe, pumpkin spice latte, and many others. These options include both hot and cold beverages so you can consume your coffee any way you want.
Coffee For Non Coffee Drinkers – A Beginners Guide
If you are new to the world of coffee, this section presents you with 5 coffee picks that are easy to drink and enjoy. They are not harsh and give you a friendly introduction to the coffeeverse.
Cafe Latte
A Cafe Latte is a great place to start your coffee journey. Latte is Italian for milk and that’s exactly what you get here.
To make a Cafe Latte, you need a shot of espresso, steamed milk, and just the right amount of milk foam.
If you find a Cafe Latte strong, you can flavor your cup with additives like vanilla, caramel, and other sweeteners. The addition of milk to the espresso softens the bitterness and provides a sweetish tone.
Mocha
Also known as Mochaccino, this is a chocolaty drink that comes with a shot of espresso, chocolate syrup, and steamed milk.
If you find the cafe latte to be a bit strong, then the mocha might be a good fit for your taste buds.
The main reason we’ve added mocha to this list is that you get very little coffee taste in it. Also, the fact that you can get it in any coffee shop makes it a good pick.
Macchiato
A Macchiato is a shot of espresso that comes with milk foam on top.
This might be a bit heavier in coffee flavor when compared to a cafe latte as there is no milk.
But if you’re planning to switch gears and want to dive in black coffee or espresso shots, then a macchiato is a good choice.
If you find it too strong, then you can add some caramel or other flavoring agents to suit your taste.
Cappuccino
Cappuccino comes with a shot of espresso with frothed milk on top.
You get a sweetness that tames the bitterness of the espresso. Most coffee houses serve it with some cocoa powder on top which is a nice touch. Here’s an interesting read on Coffee powder vs Cacao Powder, you will find it interesting.
If you’re not happy with your regular cappuccino, you can choose from a number of flavored cappuccinos or simply add your sweetening agents like vanilla or chocolate.
Flat White
A flat white comes with a shot (or two) of espresso and a layer of steamed milk.
Pros in the coffee industry call this layer ‘microfoam’ but you will not find actual foam like you would in a cafe latte.
If a cafe latte is served in a 250ml glass, you can expect a flat white to be nearly half of it (150 to 160ml).
Coffee For Non Coffee Drinkers – Level Up
You’ve leveled up and need something stronger in your cup? We’ve got you covered.
Dalgona Coffee
Had you been searching this topic last year, you would not have missed the trend.
Popularized by Korean pop culture, Dalgona coffee became the talk of the town for quite some time.
You make one easily at the comfort of your home. All you need is some instant coffee, sugar, water, and hot milk. Here’s a simple dalgona coffee to make your day.
Cafe Au Lait
To make a Cafe Au Lait, you need strong and hot coffee and an equal amount of steamed milk.
This is very similar to a cafe latte, but instead of using an espresso shot, we are sticking with a hot coffee brew.
When compared to a cafe latte, the strength of this drink will be mellow. But if you’re looking for a smoother-tasting coffee drink, then this one’s your friend.
Americano
Also known as Caffe Americano, it comes with a shot of espresso with hot water.
The ratio can be half-half or one-third espresso and two-thirds water. Some coffee shops might even add a couple of shots of espresso to add some oomph to the drink.
Unlike some other drinks we’ve talked about, you can improve the Americano by adding milk to it. It is almost like black coffee but with a different flavor profile.
Black Coffee
If you’re looking for the healthiest coffee out there, then black coffee is your winner.
Black coffee can be made in a ton of ways using various coffee gear. You can use a simple drip-coffee machine, a french press, an Aeropress, a percolator, a moka pot, or any other equipment you can think of.
Most coffee lovers swear by black coffee and with that, it is also the proud owner of the name, regular coffee.
Espresso
An espresso shot is a concentrated coffee you get by passing water at high pressure through finely ground coffee.
Though the caffeine level is lower than other coffees, it is one of the strongest coffee shots you can get your hands on.
As you would have noticed, espresso is also the base for a lot of coffee drinks.
Ristretto
The making of a ristretto is similar to an espresso.
But it is made with a finer grind of coffee and with just half the amount of water. The result is a more concentrated flavor that is not easy on newcomers.
Not-so-common Coffee For Non Coffee Drinkers
Okay, so you’re not a beginner at coffee and want something that gives you a nice touch of caffeine? Here are some coffee beverages you’ll love.
Irish Coffee
If you’re looking for something unique than a regular cup of coffee, then an Irish coffee is perfect.
Irish coffee comes with black coffee, some Irish whiskey, brown sugar, and some whipping cream on top.
The key when drinking Irish coffee is not to mix the coffee with whipping cream. You have to drink the coffee through the cream. Trust us, it’s pretty good.
Galao
If you’re craving something European, then Galao is a good option.
Coming from Portugal, the Galao is made with one part espresso and three parts foamed milk. You can also add some sugar to sweeten the deal.
Affogato
Not all coffee has to be a drink, right? The affogato is the perfect example of it.
An Affogato is a shot of espresso that comes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Some versions of Affogato will also come with some liqueur which gives it a teeny kick. If you want to bring both worlds together, Affogato is your desert.
Con Panna
The Con Panna is a shot of espresso (or two) that is topped with a decent amount of whipping cream. It is also known as Cafe Viennois in France and United Kingdom.
Just like every other espresso drink, it is loaded with caffeine. So make sure you’re not making yourself one before you go to bed.
Kopi Luwak
Kopi Luwak is the most expensive coffee you can have in the world. If you’re in the mood for something luxurious, then the Kopi Luwak is your choice.
The coffee has a weird story of coffee cherries eaten by civet cats. The coffee beans are not digested properly and are later collected from the civet cat droppings. It is then processed and sold as the world’s most expensive coffee.
Why does this coffee have a high-end price tag? We don’t know honestly, but the coffee is pretty good so do give it a try.
Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnamese coffee is a good choice for those who are looking for sweet coffee.
To make Vietnamese coffee, you will need to add 1 to 3 tablespoons (depending on your taste) of condensed milk to a glass and then top it with regular brewed coffee. Mix it well and you have a delicious Vietnamese coffee at your disposal.
Best Iced Coffee For Non Coffee Drinkers
Looking for something cold? You’re in the right section.
Cold Brew Coffee
Cold brew coffee is probably the easiest coffee to brew. You don’t need any special equipment but it can take from 8 to 12 hours to get the final cold coffee concentrate.
The brewing process will happen inside the refrigerator (in most cases). So the drink you consume will be cold and you can also add milk to make the texture smoother.
Iced Coffee
Iced coffee is nothing but a regular brewed coffee that is served chilled.
Once you make your coffee, wait for it to reach room temperature, and then add some ice cubes. You can pour your coffee into a cup full of ice cubes as well.
Nitro Coffee
Nitro coffee is a cold brew coffee that comes with nitrogen gas in it. The infusion of nitrogen in your coffee is done through a pressurized valve.
The final form is a velvety and thick coffee that has a light sweetness to it. Note that you can’t add milk or sugar to your cup of nitro cold brew coffee.
Frappe
To make a frappe, you are going to need instant espresso coffee, milk, sugar, and ice cubes.
Once you have all the ingredients, put them in a blender and blend them slowly till you see a super fine drink.
You can add additional flavoring agents but we prefer the original version.
Iced Latte
Take your Cafe Latte and pour it into a cup filled with ice cubes.
Iced Latte is an excellent chilled beverage that is perfect for people looking to start their coffee journey.
Coffee For People Who Don’t Like Coffee
Not sure about the taste and aroma of coffee? Looking for a coffee that doesn’t taste like coffee?
We’ve got you covered as well.
Pumpkin Spice Latte
Are you on the hunt for a coffee that doesn’t look or smell like coffee? Then pumpkin spice latte might be a good choice for you.
With a pumpkin spice latte, you get the goodness of autumn spices, steamed milk, sugar, and espresso that is topped with pumpkin spice and whipped cream.
During the fall season, you can find this coffee in almost every coffee shop. It tastes fantastic and more importantly, doesn’t remind you of coffee.
French Vanilla Latte
A french vanilla latte is very good at masking the flavor of espresso. You will enjoy the notes of vanilla with a slight hit of coffee.
To make a french vanilla latte, you will need a pod of french vanilla, espresso, and some steamed milk. First, add the vanilla pod followed by the espresso shot. Then, add the steamed milk and mix well. Your french vanilla latte is ready.
If you have french vanilla syrup, you can use that instead of the pods. But the pods give you the best flavor.
Hazelnut Coffee
Hazelnut, when combined with coffee, delivers an excellent flavor.
The good thing about hazelnut coffee is that you can get one with black coffee, with milk, and with any type of coffee.
The nutty sweetness that hazelnut brings to the table is a treat for beginners and people who don’t like coffee.
Chai Latte
With chai latte, we are going into a territory of no coffee. Yep, the chai latte doesn’t have any coffee in it.
So if you really hate coffee, this could be your thing.
A chai latte is made with black tea and a mix of spices like ginger, cinnamon, clove, and others. You can consume chai latte with or without milk. Since it says latte, it might be a good idea to add some milk though.
Teeccino
A teeccino is another excellent alternative to coffee without any caffeine.
It comes with organic carob, organic figs, organic chicory roots, dates, and barley. If you’re a health-conscious person, then a teeccino coffee is a very good choice.
We wrote a detailed post about what is aTeeccino coffee. Do read it if you’re interested in it.
Starbucks Coffee That Doesn’t Taste Like Coffee
So what is the best Starbucks drink for people who don’t like coffee?
If we had to pick just one coffee, then it would be the mocha. The mocha comes with a chocolaty flavor that masks the coffee taste even though there is an espresso shot inside.
The Frappe and Frappuccino are also very good options as sweet drinks. With these drinks, you are not going to get the strength of the coffee inside. All you get is a slight hint of coffee which is fine even for people who detest coffee.
One good thing with Starbucks is that you have the option to choose from many flavored drinks. Most flavored coffee drinks will suppress the original coffee flavor and give you a sweet drink to enjoy.
Some Common Questions
What coffee drink tastes the least like coffee?
Mocha or Mochaccino.
With chocolate syrup at the bottom of the cup, a mocha is the least coffee drink you can get from the coffee universe. It tastes chocolaty and you also a touch of coffee that is fine for your palate.
What is the best coffee for beginners?
If you’re a beginner who wants to try a good coffee, you should start with a cafe latte. Thanks to the milk content of this coffee, it is not all bitter but also manages to show you what an espresso is also about.
You can also try a cappuccino, Americano, and cold drinks like a frappe, cold brew coffee, and also mocha.
How can I drink coffee if I don’t like it?
If you don’t like the taste of regular black coffee, you can add some milk or any other sweetening agent to improve its taste.
Here is a post that talks about healthy ways to sweeten your coffee.
What can I get at Starbucks if I don’t like coffee?
At Starbucks, you have a ton of options even if you don’t like coffee. Here are a handful of drinks that you will enjoy.
- Mocha
- Frappe
- Frappuccino
- Pumpkin Spice Latte
- Chai Latte
- Flavored Coffee (any kind)
- Specialty Coffee
- Tea (and Others)
How can I get caffeine without coffee?
There are many ways to get caffeine without drinking coffee.
Some drinks that aren’t coffee but can give you caffeine are matcha tea, black tea, yerba mate tea, cascara tea, hot cocoa, sodas, and caffeinated water. You can also get a dash of caffeine from caffeine gums, caffeine energy mints, and even caffeine toothpaste.
In our posts, coffee alternatives with caffeine, we talk about 16 drinks that don’t have any coffee but come with caffeine to boost your energy. Do read if you’re interested.